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EastEnders legend is set to sign big money I’m A Celebrity deal a year after quitting soap
It comes after they bid farewell to the Walford-based series after 16 years
AN ex EastEnders star is set head Down Under to star on I’m A Celebrity.
Shona McGarty, 33, is in advanced talks to be an early signing for the ITV show, which films this Autumn in November.
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It comes after she left the BBC One soap last year after 16 years playing iconic Whitney Dean on Albert Square.
A source said: “Jungle bosses have been keen to sign up the soap queen for ages.
“Shona is Walford royalty and hugely popular with TV viewers, she’s got bags of charisma and producers think she’ll be a great campmate.
"Plus fans haven’t seen much of her away from Enders, so I’m A Celeb will be an opportunity for her to show a completely different side to her personality.
read more i'm a celeb
"Show bosses are already talking to some brilliant names for the new series.”
Earlier this year Shona admitted she would like to take part in a rival reality show - Strictly Come Dancing.
She said: “I would love to do Strictly. It appeals to my soul, because it’s sequins, and glitter and tan and hair and nails.”
Shona has been working on breaking out as a music star since leaving the soap, having showcased her singing talents since she was a teenager.
Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024
In 2012 she performed A Change is Gonna Come on Children in Need, released a charity song for Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2018, covered Let It Be in 2021 for charity Mind and last year sang at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance for BBC1.
EastEnders star Shona McGarty glams up for Whitney’s wedding
An ITV spokesman said: “‘Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here are just speculation.”
ALL CHANGE
Shona announced her departure from EastEnders in 2023 after a 15-year stint, sharing she wanted to explore other opportunities.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the time, Shona said: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.
“I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.”
I'm A Celebrity - All The Winners
Here's every star who has been crowned King or Queen of the Jungle to date:
- 2024: Danny Jones, McFly star
- 2023: Sam Thompson, Made in Chelsea star
- 2022: Jill Scott, England footballer
- 2021: Danny Miller, Emmerdale star
- 2020: Giovanna Fletcher, actress and podcaster
- 2019: Jacqueline Jossa, EastEnders star
- 2018: Harry Redknapp, England legend
- 2017: Georgia Toffolo, Made In Chelsea star
- 2016: Scarlett Moffatt, Gogglebox star
- 2015: Vicky Pattison, Geordie Shore star
- 2014: Carl Fogarty, famed racer
- 2013: Kian Egan, Westlife star
- 2012: Charlie Brooks, EastEnders actor
- 2011: Dougie Poynter, McFly star
- 2010: Stacey Solomon, X Factor star now TV personality
- 2009: Gino D'ACampo, TV Chef
- 2008: Joe Swash, TV personality
- 2007: Christopher Biggins, actor
- 2006: Matt Willis, Busted star
- 2005: Carol Thatcher, author and broadcaster
- 2004 (second series): Joe Pasquale, comedian
- 2004: Kerry Katona, Atomic Kitten star and reality star
- 2003: Phil Tufnell, England Cricketer
- 2002: Tony Blackburn, Radio DJ
There was also an All Star series in South Africa in 2023, which was won by Myleene Klass.
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